Recently I read alot about SON in various blogs. Now, as wireless networkd migrates from 2G/3G networks to 4G, much of the progress derived from next-generation 4G technologies like Long Term Evolution (LTE) will come from automatic self-optimization techniques that will yield lower operating expenses (OPEX), improved call quality, and better service. Sometimes, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Self-optimizing networks (SON) concepts are included in the LTE (E-UTRAN) standards starting from the first release of the technology (Rel-8) and expand in scope with subsequent releases. A key goal of 3GPP standardization is the support of SON features in multi-vendor network environments. 3GPP has defined a set of LTE SON use cases and associated SON functions. The standardized SON features effectively track the expected LTE network evolution stages as a function of time. With the first commercial networks expected to launch in 2010, the initial focus of Rel-8 has been functionality associated with initial equipment installation and integration.

3GPP standards provide various SON functionalities. Some of use cases included in it are as below

• Automatic Inventory
• Automatic Software Download
• Automatic Neighbor Relations
• Automatic PCI Assignment
• Coverage & Capacity Optimization
• Mobility optimization
• RACH optimization
• Load balancing optimization